Clwyd South AM Ken Skates has welcomed Welsh Government assurances over lead contamination in Coedpoeth and Brymbo.

Natural Resources Minister Carl Sargeant has today (Tuesday, March 10) confirmed he is keen to meet residents to discuss a long-running saga which could leave residents thousands of pounds out of pocket.

Eighteen households in the two villages near Wrexham have been told they will have to foot the bill for work carried out by Wrexham Council to clear their land of historic lead contamination.

Labour AM Mr Skates has been working alongside residents for more than two years and is attempting to secure a funding commitment from the UK Treasury similar to an agreement which saw the coalition help families in Stirlingshire, Scotland.

Mr Skates previously said: “Until we get assurances that the residents of Coedpoeth and Brymbo will be treated as same as those in Scotland then this uncertainty and anxiety will continue. Why is the UK Government happy to help people in Scotland, but not here in Wales?

“My constituents have been unbelievably patient, especially when you consider what an unfair situation they find themselves in through no fault of their own. They deserve a better level of support and service from the Treasury than they have had thus far.”

Today the Welsh Labour Government confirmed Mr Skates had been pressing for the Minister to meet residents – and that Mr Sargeant is looking to arrange a meeting in the near future.

Mr Skates added: “I am pleased the Minister is aware of how important an issue this is for my constituents and that it’s on his radar.

“I am fully aware of the demands on the Minister’s time, so I’m extremely grateful that he has confirmed his keenness to meet residents as we look to continue working with all interested parties to bring this issue to an acceptable conclusion.”